In Their Own Words

Time goes by so quickly. We have good intentions to do this and that but too often we do not follow through.

When our first born is here we take pictures of every move they make. We record every breathe make or every sound they make. We want to capture every new moment for no other child has every done "whatever" as early or as well as our child. You keep a journal so you can capture things pictures cannot

Then the second or third child comes along and all of those good intentions....well, you take few pictures and record fewer words. You write less or do not even start a journal. It is NOT because you love them less it is because you are probably enjoying each moment more.

The same holds true for family moments. We have the camera right there by your side but you take only a few pictures or you never reach for it. Then you are sorry. But to do fret upon it because you will remember those moments forever.

Then.....that person or those people are no longer around. Your best friend has moved four states away and you may only see her once a year, if you are lucky. Your sibling gets a job 4 hours away and has to move. Yes, you see him more often but you seem to always forget your camera. All of your children have left the nest and things will never be the same. Or your loved one pass away and there will never again be an opportunity to take those pictures. Your trust you will always have those memories but sometimes details fade.

Then you try to tell a story about the time you and whomever did so and so but just telling the story does not do it justice. IF ONLY you had pictures to show.

Try not to let those opportunities pass you by. Try to capture those moments forever.

I feel very fortunate to have some (not enough) videos/dvds of my son when he was little. I can play them at any time to remember how absolutely adorable he was. I can hear his sweet little voice saying "mama I love you." I am also very fortunate to have videos/dvds of my parents. Some are of them interacting with my son but others are of them in the older years talking about their past. I wish I had known more questions to ask them. I wish I knew even more about them but I am very thankful to have what I have. Them talking about them in their own words.

Don't let an opportunity pass you by. Ask questions now. Hear what your family has to say in their own words.